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The Rollins Planetarium features a GOTO Chronos Space Simulator star projector. This state-of-the-art device uses light guide technology to project a realistic and beautiful starry sky. |
With high-speed, computer-calculated positioning, a simple click of a mouse sets the sky for any time in the past, present or future. In 2002, this projector was the first installation of the Chronos model anywhere in the world.
A Sky-Skan definiti fulldome digital projection system was added in 2008. Representing the next generation in planetarium technology, the system creates an immersive and engaging image over the entire dome surface and a powerful “you-are-there” experience for the audience.
The new system utilizes six Sky-Skan edge-blended video projectors with digital light processing (DLP) technology to cover the entire dome with full-color, high resolution video. The software's database includes more than 118,000 stars accurately positioned in space, allowing the planetarium to move audiences freely through a 3D universe viewing endless astronomical phenomena and employing advanced teaching aids.
Recently renovated in 2011 with comfortable seating for 104 under a 40-foot-diameter dome, Rollins Planetarium offers public shows and educational opportunities for school groups throughout the year. Rollins Planetarium is located in the Maxwell Center on the campus of Young Harris College. The college also has an observatory, located on Georgia state property near the Brasstown Valley Resort, only a short distance from campus. |
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 Observatory Info: Located at an elevation of over 2000 feet on the flanks of Brasstown Bald, the tallest peak in GA, the college's observatory features a Schmidt Cassegrain telescope housed in a 15-foot dome just a short from campus. The observatory benefits from its high elevation and access to the wonderfully dark skies of northern Georgia. In addition to the main scope, the facility also contains outdoor telescope piers which can mount a number of other telescopes as well. The telescope can also be equipped with a CCD camera to take digital images.
The observatory is open to the public when skies are reasonably clear on Friday evenings immediately after the planetarium show ends, which is normally about 8:45. The observing session will end between 9:30 and 9:45PM. However, all times are moved 30 minutes later in June & July because of later onset of darkness. (Note: the observatory is closed on the same dates the planetarium is closed.) See these show listings at the NE Georgia Mountains events page here.
There is a $3 to $5 admission charge per person to attend a show. Young Harris students may attend these shows for Free. Must show school identification. |
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| Weekday Shows for Schools and Groups |
The Rollins Planetarium presents educational shows for school classes or other groups wishing to learn more about the sky.
To schedule a showing, call Planetarium Director Steve Morgan at (706) 379-5130 at least two weeks in advance of your requested time. Please have the following information available: the time and date requested, the show title you would like to see, and the approximate number of people attending. The seating capacity of the planetarium is 109. Call for admission charge.
Groups wishing to have a picnic lunch before or after their planetarium visit may wish to consider Mayor's Park. This small park, operated by the city of Young Harris, is conveniently located just down Maple Street from the planetarium. There is a small playground with swings, a covered gazebo, and several picnic tables. Click here for a printable map. |
| Contact, Address and Website |
| Phone: 800-241-3754 - Address: Maxwell Center Building, Young Harris College, 1 College Street, Young Harris Georgia 30582-0068 - Rollins Planetarium Website |
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